South Carolina will host the first Democratic presidential nominating contest in 2028 after a DNC rules committee vote.
South Carolina was selected by the Democratic National Committee’s rules committee to host the first presidential nominating contest of the 2028 cycle. The committee's recommendation prioritizes the state to elevate the role of Black voters, who form a foundational part of the Democratic base. The new calendar places South Carolina first on January 22, 2028, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire. New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will round out the six states permitted to hold contests before Super Tuesday. This shift officially removes Iowa from the early voting window. The decision followed a monthslong competition between South Carolina and Nevada. While Nevada advocates highlighted its diverse Latino and working-class electorate, South Carolina supporters emphasized the importance of the Deep South. The administration's move to prioritize South Carolina reflects a desire to honor the state's role in the 2020 primary. The committee also signaled stricter punishments for states that fail to follow the official party calendar.